"Najwa," released on December 8, 2017, by Wadada Leo Smith, is a captivating journey into the realms of free jazz and avant-garde music. This album, released under TUM Records, showcases Smith's mastery of the trumpet and his innovative approach to composition. With a runtime of 56 minutes, "Najwa" features a stellar lineup of musicians, including bassist Bill Laswell, drummer Pheeroan akLaff, percussionist Adam Rudolph, and electric guitarists Henry Kaiser and Vernon Reid. The album's six tracks, each a unique exploration of sound and rhythm, highlight Smith's Harmolodic theory, a concept that emphasizes improvisation and collective creation. From the opening track "Ornette Coleman's Harmolodic Sonic Hierographic Forms" to the closing "The Empress, Lady Day," "Najwa" is a testament to Smith's enduring influence in the world of jazz. The album received critical acclaim, earning Smith the Jazz Artist of the Year and Jazz Album of the Year awards in 2017. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Najwa" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
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